“Pixels” (Rated PG-13 for some language and suggestive comments, 106 minutes): There’s a running subplot in the Adam Sandler film “Funny People,” where the lead character is seen as sad joke because of all the horrible movies he has made such as playing a mer-man and a man stuck in a baby’s body. Does “Pixels,” where Sandler plays a slacker saving the world from aliens attacking the planet with video games, make the case that “Funny People” fiction becomes fact? Yes, yes it does. If that doesn’t make the best case, then how about Kevin James playing the president? Yes, the President of the United States.

Verdict: Save your quarters.

“Southpaw” (Rated R for language throughout, and some violence, 124 minutes): Hey everyone, Jake Gyllenhaal wants to win an Academy Award. Just look at all the things “Southpaw” has going for it: transformation, struggles and redemption. The actor plays a boxer whose life is turned upside down by a tragedy and he must work to regain what he lost. One interesting fact about the film is “Sons of Anarchy” creator Kurt Sutter wrote it.

Verdict: Rent it.

“The Gift” (Rated R for language, 108 minutes): Some thrillers can also act as cautionary tales – just look at every horror movie ever where someone does something stupid and ends up paying for it in the end. “The Gift” is basically an anti-bullying public service announcement wrapped in terror and intrigue. Don’t horribly bully someone in high school because that person may wait 20 years and get their revenge in the worst possible way. Joel Edgerton not only stars in the film, but wrote and directed it as well.

Verdict: Rent it.

“Max” (Rated PG for action violence, peril, brief language and some thematic elements, 111 minutes): It’s a tale as old as time: boy meets dog; boy gets dog to trust him; boy and dog become best friends; duo stumbles upon a gang of weapon smugglers and kidnappers and must overcome obstacles to save the day. It’s kind of like a millennial Lassie. “Yo, Lassie. Timmy got stuck in that well again.”

Timothy Guy is the Digital News Editor for The Press-Enterprise and PE.com. Working with reporters and editors, he looks for the best possible way to present stories online. He has worked at The Press-Enterprise since 2010 and has covered events such as the Coachella Music Festival, San Diego Comic-Con and Disney D23 Expo.